This blog is about my life as a mom, raising a son with a mood disorder. This is a tough journey and I hope that my words may allow others living with this illness see that they’re not alone. I’m also using this blog as a tool to process my own feelings and let go of the pain that I carry inside. If you’re new to this blog, check out my list of “Important Posts” in the right column and feel free to share your story with me. This blog shouldn’t be used for medical advice.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

I’m So Proud!

On Friday my oldest son shared with me that he’s the “social brain” for his autistic friends at school. He explained that a lot of kids try to take advantage of these boys so he likes to protect them. He shared how at the book fair another boy manipulated his friend who has Aspergers to spend all of his book fair money on himself. Sure enough, the boy spent over $20 on a book for this kid, leaving no money for his own book. My son stepped in and worked with the school to get his friend’s money back so that he could get the book he intended to buy that day. He also shared how his friends easily get hyper-focused on their card games such as Pokemon, and as a result, they get their cards taken away by the teachers leaving them cardless for the lunch time tournaments. So my son explained how he likes to collect the game cards from these boys before class time so they don’t get tempted to take them out and risk losing them.

I can’t tell you how proud this has made me. To see him looking out for others, and helping them with their own struggles is so encouraging as a parent. Through the years we’ve experienced so many challenges and at times you wonder if your kids are learning all the good stuff you’re trying to teach them. This moment was a beautiful reminder that even though we don’t always see it, our kids are getting it! I am so proud of him.

About Me

I’m a 45 year old Mama Bear married to my sweetheart for 25 years. We have 3 wonderful boys ages 16, 14 and 12. My oldest started showing signs of a mood disorder around 8 years ago. He is diagnosed with Bipolar NOS and recently Autism (Aspergers) and is taking Lithium, Wellbutrin and Melatonin and is in therapy with our HMO. Our youngest was diagnosed with Autism (Aspergers), ADHD and may also have a mood disorder. He is currently taking Prozac to help with anxiety and depression and has had great success with ABA therapy.